BP/W vs back-inflate BCs

[DA Aquamaster]

Why is it that a BP/W combo is so expensive when it's such a simple system?

An OMS AL backplate and deluxe harness runs around $110 at Leisure Pro and a standard harness is $40 or so cheaper. So the BP and harness are relatively inexpensive. The wing seems to be where everyone gouges you. LP will sell 35 and 45 lb wings for $215 and $220 respectively although the 32 lb donut wing is $278.

Still, that is only $325 for a the BP and a 35 lb wing plus another $63 for the dive rite weight pouches.

 

[ae3753]

And another $30 - $60 for a couple of cam straps. Plus if you need an STA, that's more too.

 

[Wijbrandus]

I don't get it.

I use my steel backplate for warm and cold water. I just vary the lead I carry.

Of course, I'm naturally bouyant, but still. I don't see a need to have two backplates. In fact, I'm considering a weighted STA for the cold water times, I just need more times to justify the investment.

 

[Boogie711]

Yeah - if you need 14 lbs of lead in the tropics, why do you need a lightweight plate? It seems to me that your 6 lb SS plate would be ideal...

... besides - nothing packs smaller or lighter than a BP/Wing. They're the perfect travel BC.

 

[Seabear70]

My triple-l orion with doubles kit cost me less than $170 with shipping. It includes the drop weight pockets and an inflator hose (hose nessecary due to non-standard fitting which could be changed). It's the best rig I ever dove with and it's built like a flack vest.

 

[DutchDown]

I'll second jhelmuth's recommendation of the Seaquest Balance. I use one for exactly the same conditions as you dive; cold fresh water with a drysuit and 15 liter steel most of the time, with occasional trips to warmer climes. It's a rugged, simple bc and packs very easily for travel. I also have a ss bp/wing for doubles, but you could also buy a single wing if you decide to go that route.

 

[CALI68]

Just my opinion but I have only done two dives on my new BP/W and it was so much better. The word is stable! You are just so stable and steam lined! It really is much better. Based on what your saying I would recomend the Trans Plate Harness (alot like a typical BC adjustments) then ad the plate and wing! It's not gonna be cheap no matter how you slice it but what could last longer than a hunk of stainless steel and a Cordura covered wing?

Also, I have a question regarding Boogie's post:

It would awesome to just dive with a plate in the tropics but how would you ditch in an emergency? I'm guessing you would have to cut it right? I would appreciate your thoughts on the subject. It seems like a plastic plate with a 8 lb (or so) weight belt would be safer for you and your gear. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[vjongene]

I don't get it.

I use my steel backplate for warm and cold water. I just vary the lead I carry.

Of course, I'm naturally bouyant, but still. I don't see a need to have two backplates. In fact, I'm considering a weighted STA for the cold water times, I just need more times to justify the investment.

I just thought that packing a SS backplate would be a bit heavy... Hence the need for an AL (or TI) for traveling.

 

[vjongene]

Yeah - if you need 14 lbs of lead in the tropics, why do you need a lightweight plate? It seems to me that your 6 lb SS plate would be ideal...

Plate = luggage. Weights = supplied by dive shop.

 

[vjongene]

It would awesome to just dive with a plate in the tropics but how would you ditch in an emergency? I'm guessing you would have to cut it right? I would appreciate your thoughts on the subject. It seems like a plastic plate with a 8 lb (or so) weight belt would be safer for you and your gear. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

The goal in my case is to switch SOME (but not all) of the weight from my weight belt to my rig. All I need is to be able to ditch enough weight to become negatively buoyant (even if only slightly) so I can get to the surface.

As an aside, during our last trip my son was diving in the tropics with a steel tank, and didn't need any weight at all. Since he was essentially neutral in the water and wearing only a thin suit, having ditchable weight did not seem to be an issue.